Why Schools Need Pediatric Physiotherapy: Lessons from a Recent Assessment Camp
Introduction
In today’s digital world, where children’s activity levels are declining and sedentary habits are becoming the norm, early detection of physical, postural, and motor development issues is crucial.
Recently, during a Pediatric Physical Assessment Camp conducted for children aged 2 to 9 years, alarming statistics surfaced, underlining the urgent need to integrate physiotherapy into school health programs.
Key Findings from the Assessment
Out of 350 children screened, the following trends were observed:
- Flat Feet: 41.9%
- Underweight: 21.2%
- Overweight/Obese: 8.5% combined
- Genu Valgum (Knock Knees): 1.7%
- Genu Varum (Bow Legs): 1.1%
- W-sitting habit: 1.7%
- Spinal concerns (early signs): 0.6%
- Balance & Coordination Difficulties: 13.7%
- Reduced Eye Contact and Social Communication Concerns: 1.4%
- Muscle tightness and flexibility issues: 13.7%
What Does This Data Tell Us?
These findings highlight a hidden crisis in children’s physical wellbeing, often overlooked until the problem becomes chronic. Many of these conditions, such as flat feet, postural deviations, balance deficits, and muscle tightness, can be easily prevented or corrected with early physiotherapy intervention.
Without timely support, these children are at risk of poor motor skills, reduced physical activity participation, social withdrawal, and long-term orthopedic problems.
Why Physiotherapy Should Be Part of School Health Programs
- Early Detection, Early Correction: Schools offer the perfect setting for routine physical health screening and early therapy, ensuring intervention before issues impact learning and social skills.
- Natural Environment, Better Outcomes: Integrating physiotherapy within the school system allows functional therapy in everyday settings, improving adherence and outcomes.
- Enhancing Academic & Social Readiness: Poor posture, balance, or physical discomfort can affect concentration, participation in sports, and social interactions, impacting overall development.
- Building Lifelong Healthy Habits: Embedding physiotherapy in schools supports children in developing healthy movement patterns, strength, flexibility, and confidence from the start.
Conclusion
The pediatric physical screening camp serves as a wake-up call for educators, parents, and policymakers. Schools must not only be centers of academic excellence but also champions of children’s holistic health, including physical wellbeing.
By incorporating school-based physiotherapy programs, we can ensure that children grow, learn, and thrive in all dimensions of health, paving the way for a healthier, more confident generation
By Dr. Jyoti Gupta (PT) BPT, MPT (Paediatrics), MSc (Paediatric Exercise & Health Sciences, UK), MIAP, MCSP (UK), MPGOP (UK) Consultant Pediatric Physiotherapist – Blossoms Physiotherapy
